Abstract

Maize is cultivated widely throughout the world and has the highest production among all the cereals. It is considered as one of the fastest growing cash crops in the world becoming the largest component of global coarse-grain trade. Maize is preferred staple food for 900 million poor, 120 ‐140 million poor farm families, and about one‐third of all malnourished children globally. With changing global food demands and consumer choices maize is now becoming the wonder crop for many countries especially in developing countries like India. Maize is the third most important food grain following wheat and rice for Indian population. More than half of the total maize production of India is produced in four states of Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan. In spite of wide range of health benefits offered by maize as a source of high fiber, antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals, major portion of maize is still not being used for human consumption and goes for poultry and animal feed. In India, even after achieving self-sufficiency in cereals and grains production, about 50 per cent children are still fighting with malnutrition. Maize being the cheap crop, has the potential to be the first choice for poor and underprivileged population. Nutritional and clinical benefits of the maize if exploited well with the strategic interventions through value added maize product development, utilization and commercialization will support in ensuring better health of the Indian population. Availability of value added food products of maize on industrial level will ensure better nutritional and livelihood security. Commercialization, promotion, and adoption of maize based value added food products will not only ensure higher return to farmers but also generate employment for women and youth with improved dietary diversity in food choices to the consumers.